BTEA Northeast Monthly Briefing - May 2025

For the past two years, we have been privileged to bring our entire industry together for a day of networking, while supporting a great cause and having some fun. We hope you will join us again this year in support of the Thomas J. Gunning Fund.


Thanks to our INCREDIBLE members, union partners, industry peers, vendors and supporters, we are over 75% registered. Don't wait, register to join us today!

MEMBER NEWS

5th Annual Recovery Week in Action


As our 5th Annual Recovery Week comes to a close, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and helped amplify the message of recovery. While we’re putting the finishing touches on a full recap, we invite you to explore photos from the week’s events. And remember—while it’s called Recovery Week, this work continues year-round. Now is a great time to review your EAP offerings and consider incorporating substance use and mental health responses into your safety plans. Our advisory committee is always happy to help with ideas or questions.


5th Annual Recovery Week Photos

New Leader for Carpenters Labor-Management Program


Mynor Pérez was named the Executive Director of NASCLMP by the board of trustees. Pérez has been a NASCLMP trustee since 2017. He also serves as the Business Manager of Floor coverers Local 2168 and the regional manager for Shop and Mill Cabinet Local 51, Pile Drivers Local 56, and Residential Carpenters Local 723.


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Investing in Education, Driving Impact


Last week, over 40 members participated in a dynamic lineup of BTEA Executive Education programs, including MIT’s Negotiation for Executives and Unlocking the Power of Perspective, as well as Dale Carnegie’s Developing Your Leadership Potential. We’re proud to support leaders who continuously invest in their development and provide meaningful impact to the growth of our industry.

Remember and Honor, Memorial Day 2025


Thank you to our brave servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May your Memorial Day Weekend be rooted in respect and wrapped in gratitude.

UPCOMING TRAININGS

June 11 | 8:00 AM | Westin Waltham

The Decade Ahead in Construction Technology


Please join strategist Jeff Sample as he walks through future technologies, the pitfalls of complacency, and cultural preparation realities to embrace change.

June 12 | 8:00 AM | Westin Waltham

Innovation & Culture are Driving Transformation


For many companies, digital transformation can be the most disrupting and challenging aspect, especially as it relates to employee adoption. This session will focus on ways to implement transformative technologies and processes while maintaining the strengths of existing practices and ensuring employee buy-in. It will also include real-world examples of transformation strategies from a variety of industries.

NEWS

New Pathway Announced for Madison Park Graduates Directly into the Building Trades


This commitment is part of a PLA for the Boston Public Schools Long-Term Facilities Plan, ensuring a consistent supply of skilled, union labor for major BPS capital projects. It was signed in agreement with the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions and the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.


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Opinion: Why Trump's Tariffs Alone Aren't Enough to Reshore Manufacturing


While a main driver referenced behind tariffs is to promote domestic manufacturing, the practical challenges and economic realities suggest that a significant resurgence in U.S. manufacturing will be challenging and require a concerted effort across the entire manufacturing eco-system.


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Moderna Sues Construction Firm Over Alleged Defects in Property Construction


Filed in Suffolk Superior Court, Moderna claims that Gutierrez failed in the “design and construction of the core and shell” of the building at 149 Hayes Memorial Drive and is now seeking $10 million in damages. Problems cited include mold in the roof system due to moisture, water infiltration across various systems, and dislodged exterior metal panels.


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Projects At a Glance


Southie Power Plant Redevelopment Could Change Course

HRP says it's considering changing the order in which it plans to build the six building, 1.7M SF project that will replace the plant; now potentially starting with the more than 600 housing units as soon as next year, before breaking ground on the 860,000 SF of office and research-and-development space.


Transom Real Estate Chosen to Lead Medford Mixed-Use Site

Transon Real Estate has been tapped to lead turning two surface parking lots in Medford Square into a mixed-use site slated to include a grocery store, 283 apartments and a cafe with work to kickoff mid-2026.


S. Boston Site Permitted for Hotel now for Sale

A site in South Boston where a 72-room hotel has been approved for construction is now listed for sale at $6.5 million directly across from the back parking lot for the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

LEGISLATION

BTEA Weighs in on Potential Tax Changes Impacting Nonprofits

As Congress continues deliberations around the 2025 tax reform package, BTEA Northeast has submitted formal correspondence to legislators expressing concern over emerging proposals that could impose new tax burdens on nonprofit organizations. These measures, currently under consideration as offsets to the cost of extending provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, include the possible revocation of tax-exempt status and new taxes on trade associations. BTEA Northeast emphasized the critical role nonprofit associations play in supporting workforce development, promoting safety, and serving as a voice for the building trades throughout New England.

New GOP Gov Announces Candidacy

In a campaign ad rolled out last week, Brian Shortsleeve's platform appears focused on cutting spending, auditing “every” state agency, cutting taxes and fees, and opposing Governor Healey’s approach to immigration and shelter. Shortsleeve also supports repealing the MBTA Communities Act.


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House Leaders Look to Put Breaks on Vocational Admissions Changes

Under a new proposal filed, vocational seats would be awarded through a weighted lottery system, a far different proposal system than the lottery approach the board had been considering. Many are now calling for a new task committee to lead the research and development of a new admissions proposal.


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Labor Department Cuts Millions from Women's Workforce Grants

The US DOL cutoff nearly all workforce development funding from its Women's Bureau as part of the Trump Administration's crackdown on DEI in the federal government. DOGE has posted that the DOL has now cut approximately $13.6 million in funding.


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6 Takeaways from New Economic Secretary Stolba's First Public Address

Ashley Stolba has stepped into the role after serving as Undersecretary of Economic Foundations, where she oversaw small business programs, regional and rural development and infrastructure efforts. In her first public address, Stolba was joined by her predecessor, Yvonne Hao, to provide an economic update filled with many key takeaways.


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DCAMM Session Recap

If you missed the DCAMM update session, please reach out to our office for questions and notes from the session.

FAST FACTS

  • As of May 27, The Healey administration will freeze hiring at the state executive branch in response to federal funding worries.


  • Mayor Michelle Wu's proposed FY26 budget for Boston is $4.8 billion. This budget also includes a five-year capital plan totaling $4.5 billion. The operating budget represents a 2% increase (or 4.4% adjusted) over the previous year.


  • In it's 1st Quarter Earnings Call, Skanska has downgraded its US economic outlook from strong to stable but cited a pipeline of future projects.


  • Commercial real estate loans worth $957B are set to mature in 2025. CMBS loan delinquencies hit 8.17% in April 2025.



  • The lab space vacancy rate in the Greater Boston area recently hit 25%.


  • The MA Department of Environment Protection issued guidance that it has delayed the Advanced Clean Trucks requirement for two years.


  • Workers at Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall represented by the Unite Here Local 26 union are planning a strike vote for June 13 - 15, given the inability to reach a deal following the expiration of their contract with Aramark at the end of 2024.


  • In Q1, the inflation rate in the Boston metropolitan area exceeded the growth in inflation nationally. The CPI rose at a 5% annual rate in Boston versus 3.8% for the U.S. in the 1st Quarter.


  • Mass General Brigham plans to invest nearly $400 million in primary care over the next five years. This comes as primary care continues to be a challenge in the state and primary care doctors at MGB are taking steps to unionize.


  • It is reported that UnitedHealthCare is under criminal investigation by the DOJ for Medicare fraud as part of its Medicare Advantage program. The company denies this claim but growing concern resulted in an 8% stock-price fall.

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